Capitol Federal® Presents Henry A. Bubb Service Award

March 26, 2014
Capitol Federal's 120th Year of True Blue® Service

NEWS RELEASE

TOPEKA, Kan. – Capitol Federal® Chairman John B. Dicus announced Debbie Wempe, First Vice President-Secondary Market Manager, as the 2013 recipient of the Bank’s highest recognition, the Henry A. Bubb Distinguished Service Award. This award, named in honor of Capitol Federal’s longtime Chairman, is presented annually to one employee or officer who demonstrates the leadership qualities of the late Mr. Bubb.

“Debbie’s nomination states she “demonstrates a passion for customer service and dedication to Capitol Federal® on a daily basis,” said Dicus. “Debbie’s knowledge and understanding of the Bank’s operations began the moment she joined the Capitol Federal accounting department in January 1975. In 1976, she found her home in the lending department, serving initially as a loan processor and closing assistant. She was promoted to administrative assistant, serving as an underwriter and technical liaison with the IT department, working on the loan origination system. In 2001, she was promoted to assistant vice president in charge of Internet loan applications and the lending applications systems. In 2003, she was promoted to vice president and secondary market manager and Internet lending manager. In 2009, she was promoted to First Vice President.

“The presentation of this award is unique this year,” continued Chairman Dicus, “as Debbie graduated from the University of Kansas in 1974, joined the Bank in early 1975, and has developed her career right here at Capitol Federal. Following her years as a student, she came directly to CapFed®, and here she has remained – and we are pleased with her choice.

“Since the Bank’s second step conversion, Debbie has been instrumental in developing a network of correspondent lenders that provide a constant pool of loans to grow our loan portfolio. This network has grown from 10 correspondent lenders in 2010 to our current 27 relationships. In addition to procuring these relationships, Debbie has worked to enhance the volume yielded from our correspondents, which has had a significant impact on loan growth. In 2010, we purchased $67,299,483 from correspondent lenders, $92.7 million in 2011, $267.4 million in 2012 and $585 million in 2013.

“As I reported during our 2013 annual meeting, ‘The Bank can be proud of its very successful correspondent lending program, partnering with 27 correspondents in 23 states, providing an increase in the balance of correspondent loans to more than $1 billion.’ It is clear Debbie’s continued involvement and relationship building with our correspondent partners has led to the successful program we see today.”

Rick C. Jackson, Executive Vice President-Chief Lending Officer, said, “Under Debbie’s leadership, the customer service her team provides our correspondent relationships goes above and beyond business as usual, which has been a big part of her team’s success.”

An important requirement to earning the prestigious Henry A. Bubb Award is community volunteerism. Wempe is an active member in her church, and she has volunteered with United Way as a member of the Communications Committee and the Citizens Review Panel for several years. Wempe is a graduate of the Capitol Federal Leadership Forum class of 2002.

“Debbie’s strength, knowledge, leadership and dedication to Capitol Federal and its customers,” concluded Chairman Dicus, “reflects the same customer service and leadership legacy left by Henry Bubb. The Capitol Federal board, senior management and all employees congratulate Debbie on her achievements. Henry Bubb would smile and cheer, probably a strong “Rock Chalk” cheer, at the selection of Debbie Wempe to receive the award named in his honor.”